We are former Midwesterners

making a positive difference

in our adopted home of Nevada

chicagoansinthedesert.com

VOL. 15 ISSUE 4

Know, Like & Trust!

Friendly, honest service is what

you can expect when using any of
our Business Members. Here are
just a few of us:
MARK WEINBERG REALTOR
BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY
HOME SERVICES
EDDIE KENNY CRAIG P.
KENNY & ASSOCIATES
ROCKY BRANDONISIO
BRANDO'S SPORTSBAR
TOM ROSSI EXPERT
FLOORING SOLUTIONS
TIM KORNEY WINDY CITY
BEEFS N DOGS
AARON SCHNITZ
FARMERS INSURANCE
BRETT BAUGHMAN
MASTER THE MASSES
KELLY GAINES
HEARTLAND PAYMENT SYS.
MARY ROMANO CITD
DONNA AUGUSTYN
VILLAGE EAST CLEANERS
JULIE SPEIGEL SPEIGEL
BURN FOUNDATION
DEENA BOGAN WRITER

FOUNDERS NOTES

This month marks

the beginning of our
4th year in business. Talk about a
time for reflection!
As of this writing, we
Mary Romano
have 40 Business MemFounder
bers, over 1,800 followers on our
FaceBook fan page, over 650 in our
FaceBook private group and 102
followers on Twitter. Not to mention what we are doing on LinkedIn and Instagram. Together, we are
making ourselves known as a premier
business and social networking community in the Southwest. We have
economical and political strength.
So what are you waiting for? Go
to chicagoansinthedesert.com and
JOIN today. #former #chicagoans
#inthedesert #shopchicagoan
#togetherwearestrong

SOCIAL HAPPENINGS

Our quarterly "CHICKS WITH ATTITUDE" Luncheons have been

such a huge success we just had to have our own logo for it! We're delighted to see the ladies getting out and meeting each other. Power friendships are forming that continue to build our community. Keep an eye
on our website or our Facebook page for info on our next Luncheon.

Former Chicagoan Dan Borches has been collecting PEZ dispensers for
20 years. He's also attended PEZ conventions all around the US. When
Dan & Jil began dating, she too began to share his love and passion for
PEZ. They have a whole room dedicated to displaying their PEZ collection of well over 1000 different PEZ dispensers! Las Vegas will be host
to the 1st PEZ Convention in Nevada! Join Dan & Jil, and other fellow Pezheads on September 17-19 at Texas Station!! Are you a collector
or curious about what PEZ collecting is? Come on out for all the fun...
check out their website for all of the details!! www.sincitypez.weebly.com

FRIENDLY FACES

Thank you to WINDY CITY WASH & WAX for renewing their Business Membership
Congratulations to OMELET HOUSE SUMMERLIN on acquiring their liquor license
Thanks to VIVA MERCARDO'S and CAPO'S SPEAKEASY for hosting our Chicks With Attitude Luncheons
Congratulations to BRANDO'S SPORTS BAR on the install of their 2nd pizza oven
SUNDAY SEPT 13TH FOOTBALL & CHARITY EVENT AT LA PIAZZA RESTAURANT & SPORTS BAR

Kelly Gaines
Territory Manager
kelly.gaines@e-hps.com
Heartland Payment Systems
2520 Saint Rose Pkwy Ste. 203
Henderson, NV 89074
T 702.550.9135
M 312.919.5212
Service 866.976.7187
heartlandpaymentsystems.com

STARTING OVER by Deena Bogen

I moved to Las Vegs back in September, 2011.

After a lifetime in Chicago, it was a hard decision

to make but necessary for a variety of reasons. But after 3+ years in Las Vegas, I realized
that I wasnt really enjoying the adventure. That I was not living my life but merely
existing from one day to next; week by week, month by month year by year. Finally, in
January 2015 with the dawn of a new year, I decided to make some changes. I began to reach
out to and connect with a few neighbors Id seen coming and going. And I started looking
for ways to make connections with other local business professionals. I found some Las
Vegas networking groups to join on LinkedIn. Next I started look ing for ways to connect through
Facebook groups. Then one day in March while I was on Facebook, I noticed an ad for Chicagoans In
The Desert. Im almost certain that it showed up because I had been searching for groups to join.
I guess Facebook keeps tabs on that and makes suggestions for you. Well, what a wonderful suggestion it
turned out to be! The ad took me to their Facebook Group page, and I was even more intrigued. A group of
former Chicagoans who have relocated to the Desert/Las Vegas, just like ME? There they were in dozens of
photos having loads of fun at various events and restaurants; plus Chicago news tidbits, plus news and info
about companies owned by Former Chicagoans. The Facebook group/page was just the beginning. I followed
the link to their official website to learn more. Not just former Chicagoans who socialize together, but a local
organization of business owners and professionals who operate as a chamber of commerce here in Las Vegas.
I joined CITD as a Social Member at first, but quickly discovered that I could serve the community best as a
Business Member. I started working directly with the Founder, Mary Romano on various writing-related
projects to promote the Chamber's goals and objectives. Its been a very successful partnership ever since.
Further, my membership in CITD has allowed me to make several excellent connections with other Business
Members for work-related writing/editing projects. Talk about a Win-Win scenario! Joining CITD has given
me a renewed interest in building a successful new life here in Las Vegas from both a business/professional
AND social perspective. I am a Chicagoan In The Desert and proud of it!

ESSENTIAL OILS

COFFEE WITH...THE MAYOR

SAVE THE DATE! Chef Igs hosts

Sharon Wayne is a former Chicagoan, a Business
COFFEE WITH THE MAYOR on
Member and a Wellness Advocate with DoTerra.
Tuesday August 18th at 8:00am.
Sharon and her husband began using Essential Oils 3
Omelet House Summerlin is located
years ago for stress. "Essential oils continue to amaze
at 2227 N. Rampart Blvd. (at Lake
me! Weve found that lavender oil and chamomile oil Mead). Let's show the Mayor and her entourage just how strong
are effective at reducing stress." said Sharon. Men and
of a community we are! Mention CITD during this event and
women looking to achieve a hormonal balance are using get 10% off your purchase.
Shout out to former Chicagoan
these 3 oils: clary sage, thyme and sandalwood oils. BeTony Garcia for sharing his
cause essentials oils are molecularly small, they can
photo with us! Tony (pictured
here on the left, with his brothactually be absorbed into your body through your
er Michael), lives in Las Vegas,
skin, so you can get full body effects simbut made sure he was home
ply by putting essential oils directly on the skin.
for the big celebration. You
For more info contact
too can share your photos with
us. Go to our private CITD
Sharon at 702-358-9142.
Social Member Facebook page
at Facebook.com/groups/CITDsocialmembers/

#SHOP CHICAGOAN...IT WORKS!

Signature
Monica Y. Beasley
President & CEO

Matthew Baker
Senior Associate
c: 702.767.9891

p: 702.902.2551
e: matthew.baker@ccfinvestments.com
www.capitalchoice.com

www.TheSignatureSuite.com
Cell 702-234-6094 Office 702-522-0990
mybeasley@TheSignatureSuite.com

Capital Choice Financial Services, Inc. is a network of independent business men and women, representing various life and health companies.

702.893.3937

5905 S Eastern Ave, Ste 101

Las Vegas, NV 89119

D r. N i co l e Yo ntz
Optometrist

702.876.2020

2580 S Decatur Blvd, Ste 6

Las Vegas, NV 89102

nicoleyontzod@gmail.com
www.OpticGallery.com

213 N. Stephanie St., Unit G

Henderson, NV 89074
702-901-4800

Visit our website at chicagoansinthedesert.com

Follow us on Twitter @chicagoanmary